News Time-lapse of rollercoaster ‘Th13teen’ complete!

We were tasked with documenting all construction of the Th13teen roller coaster at Alton Towers, which marked a significant chapter in the park’s history. This ride, which was developed with the aim of pushing boundaries in roller coaster design, required careful planning and execution. Our time-lapse of its construction captures the detailed process that transformed a patch of forest into one of the most innovative attractions at the park.

The project began with site preparation, which involved clearing the area in the Dark Forest section of the park. The team aimed to maintain the natural surroundings as much as possible, integrating the ride seamlessly into its environment. Heavy machinery was brought in to remove trees selectively and level the ground, ensuring minimal disruption to the wider ecosystem. Our time-lapse photography shows the land slowly taking shape, with earthmoving equipment carving out the foundation for the ride.

Once the site was prepared, the foundation work began. Concrete was poured to create a stable base for the track and support structures. This phase was critical, as the ride’s design incorporated underground sections, including a drop that plunged into a hidden pit. Engineers worked meticulously to ensure the integrity of the foundations, as they would support both the visible track and the concealed mechanisms beneath the surface.

The next stage involved assembling the steel track and support columns. The time-lapse highlights the precision required to align each piece of track correctly. Cranes lifted large sections into place, while workers secured them using bolts and welding techniques. This phase showcased the teamwork and coordination needed to keep the project on schedule. The track’s layout, with its twists, turns, and drops, began to emerge, giving viewers a sense of the ride’s eventual flow.

One of the defining features of Th13teen is its free-fall drop element, which was a first for a roller coaster of its kind. Installing this section required innovative engineering and close collaboration between designers and construction teams. The time-lapse captures the installation of the drop mechanism, which was housed within a specially constructed building. This element was kept under wraps during construction to maintain secrecy about the ride’s unique features. Watching this part of the time-lapse, it’s clear how much effort went into ensuring the precision and reliability of the drop system.

Parallel to the track assembly, work was underway on the theming and landscaping. The ride’s theme, which draws on elements of mystery and the supernatural, required the creation of a suitably atmospheric setting. Workers installed structures resembling ancient ruins and placed props that contributed to the eerie ambience. The time-lapse shows teams adding finishing touches, such as weathering effects on buildings and strategically placing vegetation to enhance the ride’s immersive quality.

Testing and commissioning formed the final stage of the construction process. Our time-lapse captures trains moving along the track for the first time, a key milestone that brought the project closer to completion. This phase also involved extensive safety checks to ensure the ride met all regulatory standards.

We also captured the completion of the ride and the surrounding area, including queue lines and signage. Workers can be seen putting the final touches on the landscaping and testing the lighting effects that contribute to the ride’s atmosphere. The transformation from an empty site to a fully realised attraction is striking, underscoring the scale and complexity of the project.

Th13teen’s construction time-lapse provides a fascinating insight into what it takes to build a world-class roller coaster. From groundwork to testing, every stage of the process is a testament to the skill and dedication of the teams involved. The video not only showcases the physical construction but also highlights the careful planning and problem-solving required to bring such an ambitious project to life. For viewers, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the effort that goes into creating an attraction designed to thrill and entertain.